Chelsea starlet Bertrand set for new contract

Chelsea are planning contract talks with Ryan Bertrand to keep him from the clutches of interested rivals.

Bertrand emerged as a reliable deputy for Ashley Cole at left back during Roberto Di Matteo's two months in charge and the 22-year-old impressed on the left wing during the Champions League final against Bayern Munich.

He signed a four-year deal last summer, but Chelsea are prepared to reward his progress by improving his terms and extending his commitment to the club.

Life of Ryan: Bertrand's display in the Champions League final have helped
earn talks about a new deal

Bertrand, signed from Gillingham seven years ago, played 15 times for the Blues last season and considers next season to be key to his development.

He looks set to be Great Britain's left back at the Olympic Games and is a credible long-term successor to Chelsea stalwart Cole, who is 31 and suffers from ankle problems which limit the number of games he can play in quick succession.

With participation in the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan in December, the Blues are guaranteed a congested fixture list and Cole will be late to start pre-season after Euro 2012.

England manager Roy Hodgson is also aware of Bertrand's qualities, having tried to sign him for West Bromwich Albion in January. Newcastle also have a long-standing interest in the defender.

John Terry will discover on Friday how much, if any, of Chelsea's Champions League defence he will miss as UEFA rule on the length of his suspension for his semi-final red card at Barcelona.